Rotary intaglio printing



Sept. 10, 1935. A. WEISS 2,014,303

ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING Filed July 22, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet l 94 BYW M 14.. ATTORNEYS ,Sept. 10, 1935. A. WEISS 2,014,303

ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING Filed July 22, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 ZZZ INVENTOR B YW .5 AITOR EYS Sept. 10, 1935. w ss ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING Filed July 22, 1953 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 BY M LL16 M k ATTQRNEYa Sept. 10, 1935. A. WEISS ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING Filed July 22, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR BY 7%, A M 4 ATTORNEYS Sept. 10, 1935. A. WEISS ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING Filed July 22, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 m i% I 5 I INVENTOR ATTORNEY 3 Sept. 10, 1935., A. WEISS- ROTARY INTAG'LIO PRINTING Filed July 22, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOl W M BYe ATTOENEYS Sept. 10, 1935. A. WEISS ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING Filed July 22, 1933 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR W law BY Z fig, ATTORNEYIS my EN Sept. 10, A WE ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING Filed July 22, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 @N m3 wml dq M ATTORNEY 5 Sept. 10, 1935. A. WEISS 2,014,303

ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING ratentecl aept. 10, 1955 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROTARY INTAGLIO PRINTING Adolph Weiss, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application July 22, 1933, Serial No. 681,692

87 Claims.

This invention relates to printing and more particularly to rotary intaglio printing.

As to certain of its features the invention is an improvement over that of my prior patent 5 Reissue No. 18,856, dated June 6, 1933, for Rotary intaglio printing machine (original No. 1,631,169, dated June 7, 1927) and the present invention is also an improvement over certain features forming the subject matter of my copending applil cation Ser. No. 646,032, for Rotary intaglio printing, filed December 7, 1932.

An object of the present invention is to provide a greatly improved method of and apparatusv for supplying ink to the printing surface and 15 for controlling the circulation of ink so supplied.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved wiping mechanism for removing the surplus ink from the printing surface; and which mechanism not only provides for greatly 20 increased efliciency in wiping but other operating and maintenance advantages of great importance.

Another object of the invention is to provide means facilitating the use of printing rollers of 25 varying diameters while maintaining the inking and wiping mechanism in proper adjusted relation thereto and at the same time permitting ready access for the removal of the cylinders of varying sizes and of the adjustment of the op- 30 erating parts.

Further and more specific objects, features and advantages will more clearly appear from the detailed description given below taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which 35 form a part of the specification.

" Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view showing segments of the supporting structure for the cylinder and certain general features of an ink housing means there- 0 for and related mechanism; the inking side of the cylinder being positioned at the upper side of the drawings and the wiping side at the lower side;

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation taken through the 45 axis of the printing cylinder at 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the left hand side of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1, with the inking side of the cylinder indicated at the left of the figure;

50 Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation taken transversely of the axis of the cylinder approximately at 4--4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4 looking towards the right hand 5 side of Fig. 4 and having certain parts broken away to more clearly show certain features of the mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken at 6-45 of Fig. 4 illustrating certain features of the mechanism for vertically adjusting the portion of one side wall 5 of the ink housing;

Fig. 7 is a section taken at of Fig. 4 illustrating certain details of mechanism for reciprocating the doctor;

Fig. 8 is a segmental perspective view showing certain features of the wiping mechanism including the doctor structure and associated parts;

Fig. 9 is a section at 9-9 of Fig. 4 showing certain details-of mechanism for regulating the pres--- sure of the doctor;

Fig. 10 is a sectionalview at l0l0 of Fig;

showing certain details of mechanism for ing a part of the structure in position;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken transverse to the axis of the printing cylinder of Fig. 4 showing the adjustability and various positions 0&- the wiping mechanism and related parts;

Fig. 12 (sheet 1) is a sectional view taken at. |2l2 of Fig. 4 illustrating mechanism for a'dlm justing a portion of the side wall of the housing at the inking side of the mechanism;

Fig. 13 is a partially diagrammatic view showing certain parts of the structure and illustrating the method of circulating and supplying ink to the printing cylinder;

Fig. 14 (sheet 2) is an end elevation of a modified structure adapted to permit the removal of the printing cylinder from the doctor or wiping side of the mechanism, and corresponds in general to Fig. 3;

Fig. 15 is a plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 14 and illustrates certain features of a modified mechanism for reciprocating the doctor;

Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 15;

Fig. 1'? isa sectional view taken at |'l-l1 of Fig. 16 illustrating certain adjustment features of the modified wiping mechanism;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken at l8--l8 of Fig. 16 showing further details and various positions of said wiping mechanism;

Fig. 19 (sheet '7) is a partially diagrammatic view illustrating a modification of the ink circulating system;

Fig. 20 (sheet 2) is an elevation partly in section taken axially of the printing cylinder and illustrating a modification of the ink housing in general;

Fig. 21 is a sectional view of a part of the structure of Fig. 20 taken at 2l2l of Fig. 20; and

' frames.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken at 22-22 of Fig. 20 showing further details of the structure there illustrated.

Before describing the invention in detail, it might be pointed out that in order not to unnecessarily lengthen the specification and increase the number of drawings, only such parts of the apparatus have been shown and described in detail as are necessary to clearly disclose and permit an adequate understanding of the invention by those skilled in the art, and other features of the machine will only be referred to and described in general. structural press framework for a rotary intaglio printing machine, such as is well known in the art, the means of mounting the feed supply rolls and other general features of this nature, are too well understood to warrant a detailed description of the same; it being understood that a comprehension of the details of the invention herein specifically illustrated and described will be suflicient to permit one skilled in the art to practice the invention; Furthermore, it is within the con templation of the present invention that if desired it might be utilized in conjunction with certain features of the subject matter of my said copending application.

As an introduction to the detailed description to follow, a brief general description will now be given.

The invention contemplates the use of a highly volatile ink or printing fluid, and to that end there is provided a housing which together with the printing cylinder provides an enclosure which is adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from the printing fluid.

In producing the preferred form of such housing,

it is desirable that certain parts going to make up the housing should perform other useful functions, and to this end it will be found that I have utilized numerous parts which serve other functions as component parts of said housing. In one embodiment of the invention, this housing comprises, as its end walls, portions of the side frames of the press structure which serve also as supporting means for the printing cylinder; while in an alternative embodiment, the end walls of the housing are formed separately from the said side These alternative structures are deemed of importance in order to adapt the invention to be incorporated not only in a machine designed specifically therefor, but also permit its adapta- .tion to already existing machines; and I have further found that in certain embodiments the invention may be preferable in one or the other of these embodiments.

In one embodiment of the invention I have disclosed provision for removing the printing cylinder from the wiping or doctor side of the mechanism, while in another embodiment I have disclosed means for removing the said cylinder from the opposite side: these alternative structures being of great utility in permitting the design of a machine to meet the requirements of floor space, arrangement of printing units and facility of removing and replacing cylinders to the greatest advantage' depending upon the conditions met.

In one embodiment of the invention I have illustrated means for carrying the main supply of ink within the housing from where it is withdrawn and circulated to the ink applying station, the excess ink returning to the supply reservoir within the housing; while in another embodiment For example, the art of building a I have illustrated what might be termed a dry sump type, in which as fast as the excess ink from the cylinder is collected in the sump of the housing, it is withdrawn and returned to the supply reservoir means remote from the housing and which also serves to hold the main supply of ink, said ink being supplied from said reservoir to the ink applying station.

The invention further comprises as a chief feature of importance a novel means of flowing the ink on to the printing cylinder closely adjacent to but, in the direction of rotation of the printing cylinder, beyond the printing zone (i. e. that zone on the upper portion of the periphery of the printing cylinder at which position the design carried on the cylinder is printed on the paper web) and so positioning the printing cylinder and so circulating the ink that at no time is there an ink level in the housing into which the periphery of the cylinder dips or is immersed. The ink "thus flowed on to the periphery of the cylinder at what will be termed the inking side (which has a peculiar significance in my invention) remains in contact with the cylinder in its rotation throughout the major portion of its periphery and is wiped off by a suitable scraping wiper or doctor closely adjacent to and, in-the direction of rotation of said cylinder, in advance of said printing zone. The reasons for this radical departure from prior practice and the great benefits derived therefrom will be more fully discussed hereinafter.

The invention further contemplates a highly efficient and unique means of applying the ink in the manner heretofore described, wherein a maximum degree of uniformity in fiow is provided in a ribbon-like stream extending throughout the length of the cylinder, so that at each and every point in a line extending parallel to the axis of the cylinder ink will be applied without any break in flow. Further, in conjunction with withdrawing the ink from the sump of the housing I have provided a means for effecting such withdrawal substantially uniformly throughout the length of the sump in a direction axially of the cylinder; thus preventing the collection at localized points or regions of ink pigments or any foreign matter which may be present. This is deemed of importance particularly in conjunction with the use of rapidly drying or highly volatile inks.

Features shown and described but not claimed herein are claimed in my said issued patent an copending application. 1 Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2: I and 2 are side frames forming a part of the press supporting structure, and which are respectively provided with .bearing housings 3 and 4 removably seated in the side frames. The housing 3 comprises ball bearings .5 and 6 seated therein, and into these 'extend an end 1 of an axis or shaft rigidly secured to a rotary intaglio printing cylinder 8. The shaft end 1 is reduced adjacent its outer end forming a shoulder engaging the inner face of the inner race of the ball bearing 6, and the said inner race is clamped thereagainst by means of a thrust sleeve 9 which is secured in position by suitable means such as the nut l0 engaging a threaded extremity of said shaft end.

The outer race of the ball bearing 6 is clamped against the housing 3 by means of a collar ll interiorly threaded into the outer end of the housing -3. The outer end of said housing is also exteriorly threaded and said threads are engaged by cooperating threads formed interior- 1y on the adjusting gear I2, which is held against axial movement by means of a thrust housing I3 secured tothe outer face of the side frame I. The gear I2 is in driven mesh with the spur gear I4 positioned within the housing I3 and being secured to a stub shaft I5 suitably rotatably supported in the adjacent, frame and housing and having an end I6 projecting beyond said housing and adapted to be engaged by a wrench or crank handle for rotation. It will be seen that such rotation of the shaft I5 will in turn cause the rotation of the gear I2, which being held against axial movement will cause axial movement of the casing 3 (the casing 3 being prevented from rotating by a suitable keynot shown) to thereby effect the axial adjustment of the printing cylinder 8 between the frames I and 2. The opposite end of the cylinder is provided with a shaft end I! which extends through suitable roller bearings rigidly held in operative position within the bearing casing 4 by suitable means, and the shaft projects outwardly beyond its bearing support and the outer face of the frame 2 and carries secured to the outwardly projecting end a driving gear I8 which is connected to a suitable power train (not shown) for rotating the rotary intaglio cylinder. A pressure roller I9 is suitably supported from the press structure for cooperative engagement with the upper portion of the periphery of the cylinder 8 in a manner well understood in the art.

Provision will now be described for facilitating the ready removal of the printing cylinder 8 together with its integrally formed drive and supporting shaft and the bearing means associated therewith in assembled relation. Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3: it will be seen that the side frames I and 2 are provided respectively with movable segments Ia and 2a which each (Fig. 3) join the main portion of the frame along a vertical line extending through the axis of the cylinder 8 and along a horizontal line positioned somewhat below the lower periphery of the bearing housing, such as 3; this line being designated in Fig. 3 as 20. The frame segment I a is constructed and adapted to function in the following manner, referring to Figs. 2 and 3. A

slot, such as 2|, is formed in each of the frames and extends somewhat below the line 20, and seated in this slot is the lower stem of a T bar 22 which carries secured thereto a stud 23 extending downwardly through a web in the said frame and being provided with a nut on its outwardly extending portion. The upper legs of the T bar are horizontally slidably seated in a cooperating T recess 24 formed in the lower portion of the frame segment such as Ia. It will therefore be seen that the frame segment la in normal position may be clamped rigidly downwardly by tensioning the stud 23 and that the part may be released for removal by unscrewing the nut on the stud 23. The frame segment I a is rigidly clamped against the main frame portion along its vertical juncture by means of a suitable stub and nut 25. In order to permit the ready removal of the parts as indicated, the housing I3 is divided into two parts along a line extending vertically through the axis of the cylinder 8. It is also pointed out that the T bar 22 is so positioned that its top face is slightly above the lowermost point of the bearing housing 3 and has its inner end contiguous to said housing formed on the arc of a circle coinciding with the outer periphery of the casing 3, thereby providing means for holding the cylinder and assembled parts in normal position while the frame segments Ia and 2a and cooperating parts are being removed, whereupon the cylinder and assembled parts may be removed with ease. It will be understood, of course, from the foregoing that a similar structure is provided and similar adjustments and removals of the parts may be made with respect to the frame segment 2a on the opposite side of the machine, which being in large measure identical with those just referred to will not be described in detail.

I 12k housing Referring to Figs. 2 and 4: There is positioned between the frames I and 2 a member 26 in the form of and providing a bottom or sump for the housing, and which is suitably attached to the said frames in sealed engagement therewith. The sides of the sump or bottom portion 26 extend upwardly as indicated in Fig. 4. It will therefore be seen that the receptacle portion 26 forms in conjunction with portions of the frames I and 2 the major body of the ink housing, and in this connection it is pointed out that the bearings for the cylinder ends are in sealed engagement with their respective carrying frames and with the respectively cooperating ends of the shafts of the cylinder 8. The main body portion of the housing is provided with upwardly extending side walls in sealed continuity therewith and (Fig. 1) adjacent the upper portion of said side walls is mounted on one side the wiping mechanism, which will be designated in its entirety for the present purpose as 27, and at the other side the ink applying head, which will be designated in its entirety for the present purpose as 28; these two means serving the additional function of carrying the seal from the respective side walls to the periphery of the cylinder on respective sides thereof, and being positioned in a direction toward each other closely adjacent to the printing zone; and a seal being also effected between said.

means and cooperating wall portions of the housing body with the frame members I and 2. This only leaves to be sealed or enclosed the spaces between the respective ends of the cylinder and adjacent inner faces of the side frames I and 2. This is accomplished by means of end sealers designated in their entirety as 29 and 38. Each of these members comprises (Figs. 2 and 4) an arcuate rigid bracket or supporting member such as 3| and a thin flexible member 32 resting on and supported on the upper flange 3| with one end clamped rigidly against said supporting member by means of the clamping plate and screw 33 with the opposite end clamped in an adjustable bracket 34 which is pivoted to the bracket 3I and adjustable relative thereto by means of the set screw 35; whereby the resilient strip 32 may be pulled out over the rigid member and thus be made to conform to the arcuate shape thereof. This flexible member 32 (Figs. 1 and 2) extends inwardly and over the end of said cylinder on the upper surface thereof and in sealing engagement therewith; it being understood that the underlying peripheral ends of the cylinder underneath these strips are without the portion of the cylinder which carries the design to be printed. A positive and eflicient seal is thereby effected between the inner faces of the respective end walls of the housing and the surface of the printing cylinder in the region lying between the wiping and ink applying means heretofore referred to. This also prevents splashing of ink from the ends of the printing cylinder when the printing cylinder is rotated at high speed. As will be seen (Fig. 2) the brackets 2930 are spaced axially from the respective ends of the cylinder 8 to provide clearance for the maximum axial adjustment of the printing cylinder 8. On the doctor side of the cylinder the wiping mechanism 21 overlies these flexible sealing strips, and likewise on the ink applying side of the cylinder provision is made by the means 28 for overlying and sealing with these flexible strips; the extreme thinness of these flexible strips permitting the last said members which thus seal with them of also sealing with the surface of the cylinder. From the foregoing it will be readily understood how the ink housing means cooperates with the printing cylinder to provide an enclosure for preventing any substantial evaporation from the ink of the volatile ingredients thereof, while at the same time permitting a portion of the periphery of the printing cylinder to be positioned within the said enclosure for the application of ink to said cylinder.

Wiping mechanism and supporting housing structure Referring more particularly to Figs. 4, 5 and 7: An adjustable side wall 36 is vertically slidably mounted adjacent to and in sealing engagement with the side wall of the housing bottom 26 and is held in such position by suitable means, such as the gear racks 31 which are rigidly attached to respectively adacent side frames I and 2. The vertically adjustable wall portion 36 carries journal housings 38 positioned adjacent respective frame members I and 2 and a central journal housing 39; said housing serving to support a shaft 40 carrying at respectively opposite ends spur gears 4| in mesh with racks 31, and at its median portion said shaft 40 carries a worm gear 42 in mesh with a worm 43 secured to and adapted to be operated by its shaft 44, the outer end of which is formed for engaging the same with a wrench or crank handle, and the rotation of which serves as a means of moving the side wall portion 36 man upward and downward direction through the gear train previously described.

Adjacent the upper edge of the wall portion 36, which as will be seen is inclined inwardly, are carried a plurality of hinge brackets 45, spaced apart and positioned as will be more clearly seen with reference to Figs. 5 and 11. These hinge brackets serve to support the shaft 46 which serves the dual functionof a hinge pin and as a drive shaft in the mechanism for reciprocating the doctor, one end extending through frame 2 to drive means (not shown). The shaft 46 is engaged adjacent its respective ends by hinge journals 4'', and intermediate its ends by a hinge bracket 48, which are carried by an upwardly and inwardly extending wall portion or bracket 49, which bracket as will be seen is provided with a recess to accommodate a pair of barrel cams such as 50 which are pinned to the drive shaft 46 and adapted to be rotated thereby. These barrel cams are engaged respectively by cam rollers such as 5| carried on the lower end of cam arms such as 52 pivotally mounted as at 53, and having formed on their upper ends gear segments such as 54 in driving mesh with gear racks such as 55 rigidly secured to a longitudinally slidable member 56 (see also Fig. 11), which is provided with bevel edges in the form of a dovetail which is seated in a cooperating groove formed in the bracket 49. Also rigidly ttached to the slide 56 is a doctor holding braket 51 having an inwardly extending flange tween the upper face of which and a cooperating clamping bar 58 a doctor blade is adapted to be held (see also Fig. 8). The doctor blade is designated as 59. The doctor blade comprises two laminations of thin flexible metal designated re- 7 5 spectively as 59a and 59b, each lamination supplementing the other to produce the unitary function of the doctor in the present preferred embodiment of the invention. The lamination 59a is positioned on the bottom and extending out- 10 wardly beyond the lamination 59b for approximately 4", thereby providing the wipingedge per se. This lower lamination 59a is made of extremely thin material, i. e. in the present preferred embodiment which I have found in actual 15 practice to give most satisfactory and efficient results 0.004" in thickness. The chief function of the upper lamination is to reinforce and supplement the lower lamination throughout the major portion of the body thereof, which construction 20 permits of the use of the wiping edge of extremely thin thickness; this extremely thin edge in turn providing a means of most efiiciently and effectively wiping the printing surface without marring, scratching or unduly wearing the same, 25 and also provides an efficient means of sealing against the surface of the cylinder between the two end sealers 32 (Fig. l). The thickness of the respective laminations 59a and 59b is thinner than is practical in the usual operation and 30 this is made possible by the unique manner in which the unitary doctor is mounted, which will be more particularly pointed out following.

In its normal inoperative position the outer edge of the doctor is rigidly clamped in fixed 35 position between the head 51 and the clamping strip 58, no pivotal means of adjusting the doctor into engagement with the printing cylinder being provided as a usual practice. The freely overhanging inner edge of the doctor 59 is adapt- 40 ed to be flexed downwardly by means of the doctor pressure blade 60 and (by means to be pointed out following) upon being so flexed downwardly the under surface of the doctor engages with the flexible sealing strip 6|, whose outer edge is rig- 45 idly clamped on the upper edge of the bracket 49; the inner edge of the flexible seal 6! engaging the doctor somewhat to the rear of its operative wiping edge. The sealing strip 6|, in addition to serving as a lower resilient support and 50 stiffening member for the doctor, serves to carry the seal from the doctor to the bracket 49 and thence downwardly to the main body of the housing. It will be noted that this manner of mounting the doctor serves to form the free overhang- 55 ing portion of the doctor into an arched surface supported closely adjacent to its wiiping edge between the members 60 and Bi and'ipe'rmitting the extremely thin flexible edge of the doctor to engage the surface in a direction approximately 60 extending in the radial direction of the cylinder, or in what might be termed a concave wiping position, when viewed in the direction of rotation of the printing surface toward the doctor; instead of the usual wiping position of the doctor 5 where the wiping edge is directed more nearly tangential than radial, or in what might be termed a convex wiping position, when similarly viewed. At this point it is also well to note that the upper member 60 engaging and deflecting the doctor downwardly against the member H is reciprocable with the doctor relative to the stationarily held sealing member 6|.

The member 60 is mounted and supported on the upper edge of the pressure apron 52 which also serves the dual purpose of a cover forthe mechanism located underneath the same. The member 62 is pivotally supported at 63 (see also Fig. 11) to a pivot link 64 whose lower end is pivotally supported as at 65 from the slide block 56. The lower end of the pressure apron 62 carries a plurality of rollers 66 which in normal operation are adapted to roll on a track formed on an adjustable bracket 61, which is pivotally supported at 68 on the upper edge of the side wall portion 36. The adjusting bracket 61 has secured to its lower end a bifurcated bracket 69 (see also Fig. 9) and each of its bifurcations is provided with a T pin 10 whose stem is pivotally journaled in such bifurcation and whose head is slidably engaged by a collar H which is axially held by an adjusting screw 12 whose lower end is in threaded engagement with a boss 13 formed integral with the wall portion 36. Froni the foregoing it will be seen that in order to adjust the operative pressure of the wiping blade against the cylinder, and with the parts positioned as shown in'Fig. 4, the knurled head of the screw 12 is rotated thereby moving the lower'end of the ad- "justing bracket 61, varying the position of the track portion of the upper end thereof, which through the roller 66 serves to adjust the pressure apron 62 about its pivot point 63. to thereby suitably adjust the position of the doctor pressure blade 60 and thereby the pressure exerted by the doctor upon the cylinder.

When it is desired to gain access to the doctor, either with the bracket portion 49 in the position shown in Fig. 4 or in Fig. 11. the pressure apron 62 (Fig. 11) may be swung downwardly about the comb ned pivot points 63 and 65. The means for locking and unlocking the pressure apron 62. in order to permit the movement just described, comprises (Figs. 10 and 11) a handle 14 which is pivo-tally supported on the member 62 and which is provided with an opening 15 in which extends a crank arm 16 pivoted to a stub shaft 11 journaled in a boss 18 formed integral with the pivot link 64. The shaft H has integrally formed on the lower end thereof a gear 19 in mesh with a rackv80 formed integral with a lockin bolt 8! slidably supported in said boss 18 for movement transverse the ax s of the shaft 11. and the bolt 8! is ada ted to be inserted in a cooperating hole formed in the bolt bracket 82 which is rig dly attached to the slide bar 56. Accordingly, with the parts as shown in Figs. 4 and 10 by rotating the pair of handles 14, the crank arm 16 transmits this motion to the mechan sm previously described to withdraw the bolt 8| from its cooperating latch 82. and by still holdin! the handles the bracket cover 62 may be pulled outwardly and allowed to move downwardly into the position indicated in Fig. 11, during which time the crank arm 16 will of course withdraw from the recess (5 and the slot formed in the cover 62 in register therewith. Similarly, when the cover is moved back into the closed position, the turning of the handles serves to lock the cover in closed position and place the previously determined pressure on the doctor. It will therefore be seen that the mechanism just described fulfills the following functions: It serves to maintain andprovide for the correct adjusted wiping position and also permitting theremoval of the cover 62 to provide ready access to the parts positioned therebeneath-the cover normally serving the dual purpose of a bracket and adequate protection of the working parts. It will be 5 understood that this movement just described has been with reference to the wall bracket 49 being positioned as indicated in Fig. 4 and is in no way concerned with the pivotal movement of the bracket 49, which will now be described. 10

In this embodiment of the invention the cylinder is adapted to be removed from the inking side of the housing, but at the same time it is desirable to swing the wall bracket 49 outwardlyin order to remove it from close proximity to the 15 cylinder for the purpose of having access thereto in this region. For this purpose, the wall bracket 49, as has been previously described,- pivots about the shaft 46, which also being the drive shaft for the doctor reciprocation permits the 20 drive train of the doctor to remain undisturbed at all times. This is a feature of great usefulness since it obviates the necessity of adjusting the driving train of the doctor each time the doctor is removed or swung away from the cylinder. In '25 its'normal operative positionas indicated in Fig. 4 the wall bracket 49 is locked securely in position by means of cam quadrant 83 which engages the lower extension of the said bracket and clamps it firmly against the upper marginal edge of the 0 wall portion 36 so as also to provide a sealed contact therebetween. The cam lock 83 is carried by a shaft rotatably mounted in a boss formed integral with the wall portion 36, and on its outwardly projecting end is fastened a handle 84 to prolockingmechanisms, one adjacent each end of 40 the housing, as illustrated in Fig. 5.- When it is desired to swing the bracket 49 and doctor operating mechanism carried thereby outwardly, the latch handles 14 are released, the knurled nut 85 is moved outwardly to release the cam stem, the handle 84 is moved to rotate the cam segment 83 and thereby release it from engagement with the lower extension of the wall bracket 49 and by grasping the two handles 14 and pulling them outwardly and downwardly the cover 62 is moved 0 outwardly and downwardly and through the means of interconnecting hinge link 64 the wall bracket 49 may be swung outwardly as indicated in Fig. 11. If desired the bracket 49 with the pressure apron 62 in the relative position of Fig. 4 may be swung open to a limited extent in assembled relation.

Where the shaft 46 (Fig. 5) passes through the frame 2 a vertical slot 46a is provided to accommodate vertical movement of the shaft during adjustment of the wall bracket 49, and in order to keep this slot closed a dependent flange (Figs.

4 and 5) 49a is provided and formed integral with bracket 49. Referring to the left hand portion of Fig. 11: The dotted positions of the doctor and 65 cooperating blades are shown to illustrate the vertical adjustment for adapting the mechanism to: the use of printing cylinders of various sizes; this vertical adjustment being effected by the vertical adjustment of the wall portion 36 (Fig. 4) in the manner previously described.

Inkzng head and supporting housing structure therefor Referring to Fig. 4; The left hand side wall of the housing bottom 26 carries secured to the upper portion 86 thereof one side of a suitable hinge mechanism 81, the other side of which is secured to an upwardly extending housing side wall portion 88. This side wall portion extends upwardly to a reinforcing flange 89 and when in its normal operative position its lower end is in sealed engagement with the marginal edge 86 of the bottom portion 26. The wall portion 88 (Fig. 12-sheet 1) also is in sealed engagement at its ends respectively with side frames I and 2. The wall portion is provided with an offset portion providing an inner recess for the reception of a shaft 98 suitably journaled at its ends in portions 1 rigidly secured to the housing portion 88 and also supported at its central points in journals formed in the cover 9I which cover is secured to the housing portion 88. At its central point and positioned within said cover, the shaft 98 carries secured thereto a worm gear 92 which is in driven engagement with a cooperating worm 93 mounted on the shaft journaled in bearings in the cover BI and having an outwardly extending end 94 adapted to be engaged by a crank handle for rotating the worm and worm wheel and shaft 98. The shaft 98 carries adjacent its journal ends a spur gear such as 95 each of which is in driving engagement with a gear rack 96. The gear racks 96 are slidably positioned within covers 91 serving to restrict the racks to a vertical movement, the covers being rigidly attached to the housing portion 88. The racks are rigidly secured at their respective upper ends to a housing upper wall portion 98, which also carries secured thereto guide plates 99 which engage flanges on the rack cover 91, thereby permitting a vertical sliding movement of the wall portion 98, the gear racks 96 and the guides 99 relative to the stationary cover 91. From the foregoing it will be understood that upon rotating the shaft 94 vertical adjustment is provided for the wall portion 98. The upper portion of the wall portion 98 provides a shelf or bracket for supporting the inking head 28. This bracket is provided with a dovetail which is engaged by a dovetail groove in the lower frameof theinking head, the outer wall of the said groove being rigid and the inner wall of the groove being formedby a plurality of locking members I88 which are secured to a common shaft supported on the inking head structure and adapted to be rotated with respect thereto. A worm gear quadrant I8I is carried by and secured to the said shaft and is in mesh with cooperating worm I82 which is carried by a shaft journaled in the bearing portion I83 rigidly secured to the inking head structure, and the shaft extends outwardly and carries on its outwardly projecting end a knurled wheel I84. This means provides ready removal of the entire inking head,

for purposes of this assembly or necessary servicing. Further details of construction of the inking'head 28 will be more particularly described following in conjunction with the inking system. It will be understood that the wall portion 98 and the inking head 28 provide a sealed continuity extending upwardly from the wall portion 88 and housing bottom 26; also that the side edges of the wall portion 98 and head 28 are adapted for sealed engagement respectively with the side -frames I and 2, when the parts are in operative position. It will also be understood'that when it is desired to have complete access to the printing roller, as for example when it is desired to ,be removed, the intermediate wall portion 88, the upper wall portion 98 and the head 28 may be swung outwardly as a unit about the pivotal point of the hinge 81, so that the parts assume such position as to give free access for the removal and replacement of the printing cylinder. Suitable means (not shown) is provided for moving and 5 supporting these portions of the housing while being swung outwardly and lifted inwardly to assume their closed position; and suitable means (not shown) is also provided for locking the parts in their closed operative position.

Inking system In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, the housing bottom 26 is constructed so as to provide a self-contained reservoir for the ink whose nor- 15 mal operating level is indicated therein. The ink is withdrawn from this reservoir and circulated up to the inking head 28 in the manner to be presently described. In order to provide against any possibility of the ink in the reservoir being contaminated with lint particles, etc., I have provided a removable screen I85 (Figs.'2 and 4) which is provided with a relatively rigid frame adapted to rest on suitably formed portions of the housing so as to support the screen 25 I86 which are in communication with a common 35 manifold I81 (Figs. 4 and 13), being interconnected therewith from a plurality of divisional manifolds I88, each of which communicates with a plurality of said outlet ports; whereby the flow of ink from. the sump is assured being uniformly 40.

distributed axially of the printing cylinder, which feature I have found to be highly desirable in practical operation and to be highly beneficial, with improved results. The header I81 is in communication with a main conduit I89 which (Fig. 5.

13) passes through a suitable valve II8 having one opening III, to provide for introducing new fluid into the system when desired, and with another opening in communication with a circulating pump I I2, which is also in communication 58' with a suitable valve I I3 having one opening I II for the purpose of draining the system when desired and another opening connected through a main conduit I I5 to the inking head, which serves as a fluid distributing means.

This manner of ink removal from the sump at a plurality of points spaced apart axially of the cylinder has been found of particular importance in machines employing relatively long cylinders, and in which therefore the housings are relatively long; and this featurehas been found to present a material improvement in the operation of the apparatus. For example, in a machine having a printing roller say of 72" length a housing with a single outlet, such as has been always employed heretofore in ink fountains, only the fluid in the vicinity of the outlet port will be actively moved to discharge; and accordingly the body of fluid more remote will be sluggish, and stagnation will result, bringing about undesirable localization of ink or such foreign matter as may be present. It will be understood that ink comprises as its constituents ingredients or elements of varying specific gravity; and therefore such localization will result in separation and/or other;

Stratification of these constituents of differing specific gravities, which result is detrimental to eificient operation and highly undesirable. With the multiple outlet withdrawal herein provided, this difiiculty is overcome and uniform flow of the ink along the entire length of the housing has been achieved.

The inking head is provided with a main arterial inlet in communication with the main conduit H5 and the said inlet branches outwardly to the right and left into a plurality of secondary passages, each of which is in communication with further divisional branches as clearly illustrated in Fig. 13, i. e. one of the secondary passages such as H6 is in communication with successive branches such as II'I, each of which again branches outwardly into a plurality of branches such as H8, each of which branches outwardly into a plurality of branches such as H9, each of which again in turn branches outwardly into a plurality of final branches such as I20, the last of said branches terminating in a series of passages arranged in a direction axially of the printing cylinder and lying closely adjacent to each said passages being in communication along said line with a header or equalizer chamber (Fig. 4) I2I which serves to bring the fluid into a homogeneous body possessing uniformity of movement throughout its length in an extent substantially coincident with the extent of the design on the printing surface of the cylinder axially thereof. The chamber I2I is provided with an outlet orifice I22 in'the form of a long narrow slot lying, in normal operative condition, closely adjacent to the surface of the printing cylinder;

thereby providing a ribbon-like stream extending in a continuous line axially of the printing surface and having a uniform rate of flow throughout its length. It will be noted that the successively subdividing passages and the chamber I2I formed in the inking head 28 lie in general in the same plane which is inclined substantially downwardly. This provision, in addition to providing for complete drainage of the inking head, provides for depositing the ink on the printing surface by gravity.

- In order to effect an efficient seal between the nozzle end of the inking head and the cylinder 8 I provide a felt or other suitable sealing strip I23 which is provided at its upper edge with a U shaped metal clamp 24 in which the upper edge of the strip is rigidly fastened. This metal strip is attached to a carrying plate I25 by means of machine screws preferably passing through slots in the plate I25 and in threaded engagement with the U strip I24 to provide for adjustment of the sealing strip. The plate i 25 is rigidly secured to the inverted U channel I26, the outer leg of which rests in a longitudinal groove formed in the top of the ink housing 28 and the upper face of the channel adjacent its inner edge is engaged by arms I21 loosely supported from the inking head 28 asat I 28, and these arms are permitted a certain vertical movement by means of the adjusting nuts I 29 (see also Figs. 1 and 13). An inverted L angle member I39 is positioned within the invertedv U channel I26 and is pivotally attached thereto as at IM. This channel angle member carries a flexible strip I32 which extends downwardly behind the sealing strip I23 and between the same and the upper face of the inking nozzle. It will therefore be seen that suitable adjustment is provided for positioning and clamping the felt strip so that .itefiects an efficient seal between the inner end of .the inking head 28 and the surface of the cylinder; it being noted that the strip also is adapted to engage the inner faces of the side walls I and 2 on its respective ends. It is further particularly pointed out that the positioning of the edge of the felt strip which contacts the printing surface in such close proximity to the nozzle orifice serves to maintain the sealing edge of the felt strip lubricated by the printing fluid at all times, thereby preventing injurious scratching of the printing surface while at the same time maintaining a main effective seal.

As has been previously pointed out, and as will now be clearly understood from the foregoing, and with particular reference to Fig. 4, the relative positions of the inking head and the doctor are such that the ink remains in contact with the cylinder throughout an extensive portion of the periphery of the cylinder, and the importance of this feature should be clearly understood. In intaglio printing there is a tendency for the ink remaining in the engraved or etched (undercut) portions of the printing surface, after the impression has been delivered from the printing surface to the web, tosolidify or harden in these cavities, to the extent of a small increased increment or film after each impression. This tendency of course is greatly increased in degree according to the increased volatility of the ink. In order to entirely eliminate this condition, which would bring about deleterious results by decreasng the sharpness of the prints produced, I have provided a means of dissolving any film which might tend to form in these engravings or cavities by keeping a fresh flow of ink applied to the cylinder during the major portion of its circumferental travel. To this end it will be noted that (Fig. 4) the ink is applied beyond the printing zone, in the direction of rotation of the cylinder, in What might be termed the first quadrant and the doctor is positioned around the opposite side of the cylinder in advance of the printing zone in what might be termed the fourth quadrant. In these respective relative positions it is preferable that the inking head and the doctor lie in close proximity to the printing zone, s'nce according to the features of the present invention the more proximate to the printing zone, the longer will be the path of travel during which the printing surface is subjected to the fresh supply of ink, and correspondingly the greater will be the porton of the printing cylinder enclosed within the housing.

M odz'ficd doctor, mounting and supporting housing structure Referring to Figs. 14 to 18, inclusive: A modified structure is illustrated, wherein provision is made for removing the printing cylinder from the doctor side of the apparatus. Only such features of the structure as depart from the embodiment previously described will be referred to in detail and parts of the mechanism associated therewith are understood to be similar to the structure previously dcscrbed. For example, in the modification now to be described the full showing of the bottom housing port-ion 25 (Fig. 4) has been omitted and it will be understood that a similar portion is employed in the modified structure only differing therefrom in such respects as will be understood by those skilled in the art to be necessary to adapt it for use with the modified details to be described; also the left hand portion of the mechanism as shown in Fig. 4 will be identical in the modified strucportion 88.

ture except that since the modification contemplates the removal of the cylinder from the doctor side of the mechanism the hinged connection 81 may be omitted and the portion 86 may be made rigid with and as a continuation of the It is of course obvious that the hinged connection such as 81 may be utilized in conjunction with the modification and in that event provision Will be made for removing the printing cylinder from either the doctor side or the inking side.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 14: The means of supporting the cylinder from the frame structure and the provision for ready removal -by providing the side frames with removable portions is similar in all respects to that described in detail in connection with Fig. 3 and accordingly the detailed structure and cooperated relationship of such parts will not be again repeated, but the corresponding parts of Fig. 14 will bear similar reference characters to the corresponding parts of Fig. 3 with the prime suffix added. The hinged housing structure and doctor mechanism supported thereby will be designated in general as I33, and further details of this struc- :wardly extending flange portion I34 which has rigidly secured thereto suitable bracket collar means I35 through which passes a shaft I36 supported adjacent its oppositely extending ends from the side frames 1' and 2'. This shaft car- -.ries hinge bracket means I 3I--I38 mounted for rotation thereabout and held in axial position by the said collar means I35, and each of said hinge brackets carries upwardly extending guide bars such as I39 (Figs. 15 and 16) rigidly secured thereto, and said guide bars are slidably engaged by a pair of blocks or guide brackets I40-I4I positioned adjacent the inner faces of the respective side frames I and 2'. These blocks are held in adjusted vertical position by means of jack screws I42--I43 (Fig. 17), each of which is provided with a lower bearing portion such as I44 journaled in a corresponding hinge bracket such as I31 and is provided with a thrust collar such as I45 resting on the upper face of the cooperating bearing. On the lower end of each of the jack screws such as I42 is secured a worm wheel I46 in driven mesh with a respectively cooperating worm M! which is secured to and adapted to be rotated by the shaft I36. The left hand end (Figs. 15 and 16) of the shaft I36 extends outwardly beyond the side frame I and is provided with a hand wheel I48 which is secured thereto and adapted to provide means for rotating the shaft I36 to thereby cause rotation of the worms such as I41 which effect the rotation of the jack screws I42-I43 and the vertical raising or lowering of the blocks I40-I4 I These blocks carry secured rigidly thereto a side wall bracket I49 (Figs. 1'7 and 18) which serves as an upwardly extending continuation of the lower housing portion 26' and whose lower edge is in adjustable sealed engagement with the said lower housing portion 26'; the outer edges of said wall bracket I49 being in sealed engagement with the inner faces of the respective side frames I and 2. Accordingly, it will be seen that provision has been made for the vertical upward and downward adjustment of this side wall portion. Also, it will be understood that this side wall portion may be swung outwardly as indicated in Fig. 18 about the shaft I36 as a pivotal axis. The wall portion I49 is held in its upper position (Figs. 15 and 16) by suitable latch mechanism as follows. Suitable wedge projections I50,

II are formed rigid with the side wall bracket 5 portion and extend outwardly so as to come into engagement with suitable abutments provided by the frame structure and are engageable by wedge'plates I52 and I53 which are slidably supported on the frame structure and are moved 10.

into and out of operative position by suitable handles I54, I55.

The wall portion bracket I49 is provided with a slide groove in which is slidably positioned a reciprocable slide bar I56 which is held in posisecured to the slide bar I56. These hinge brackets provide shelf supports such as (Fig. 18) I59 for supporting suitable doctor knife holder I6I carried thereby and between which is clamped the doctor 59, and the said clamping bars and doctor are held in position by plates such as I62. The construction and manner of mounting the doctor I59 is in all respects similar to the construction and manner of mounting of the doctor 59 previously described. A pair of downwardly extending arms I63, I64 are formed integral with the brackets I58, I59 respectively, and carry interposed between them and pivotally supported from their lower ends a cam roller I65.

Mounted on the pivot shaft I60 and interposed between the bifurcated ribs of the hinge brackets I58 and I59 respectively are hinge plates I66, I61 which carry rigidly secured thereto an apron I68 provided with suitable bosses engaging the face of said hinge plates as best illustrated in Figs. 17 and 16; thereby serving to support said apron I68 pivotally about the shaft I60. This apron is substantially coextensive in length with the doctor, and being supported from the doctor slide reciprocates therewith. Between doctor pressure blade 66 rigidly clamped there- 5 to and arranged in position with respect to the doctor 59' in the manner similar to that heretofore descr bed in conjunction with Figs. 4 and 8. The member IBM is in effect an upward continuation of the apron I68, being rigidly clamped 1 therein by suitable thumb screws to provide a means for readily removing the doctor knife holder for purposes of replacement or adjustment.

The apron carries slidably supported therein intermediate its ends a slide plate I69 which carries a pair of lugs I'I0 from which is pivotally supported a downwardly extending cam wedge III which is adapted to engage the cam roller I65. A suitable adjusting lock means "2 is provided for adjusting the desired position of the cam wedge III; which as will be understood serves to furnish the desired operating adjustment of the pressure blade on the doctor. For the purposes of providing a quick release of the pressure blade from its adjusted position, while 70 leaving the operative adjustment undisturbed, the following provision is made. The slide plate I69 carries pivotally connected adjacent its upper end a link I13 whose upper end is pivotally mounted on the inner crank end of an eccentric crank I14 which is rigidly secured in the hub of a crank handle I15 which is suitably journaled in a boss I16 formed integral with the apron I68 (Fig. 18). The outer end of the crank handle I15 carries detent means I11 providing locking engagement with cooperating bosses I18 and I19 for holding the crank handle in the desired position. The parts as shown in Figs. 15 and 16 and in solid line position in Fig. 18 serve to hold the doctor pressure blade in operative position; while if the detent is released from the lug I18 (Fig. 15) and the handle I15 rotated in a clockwise direction until the detent is made to engage the boss I19, the slide plate I69 is raised and the cam wedge I1I lifted to thereby permit the apron I68 and the integrally connected doctor pressure blade portion I68a to move about the pivot point I69 in a clockwise direction as indicated in the dotted position in Fig. 18, which position it will be understood is assumed when the entire wall bracket portion is swiveled about its hinge portion I36.

Doctor reciprocation As will be seen from Figs. 15, 16 and 17, the blocks I49 and MI are provided with suitable bearings in which is rotatably supported a shaft I89. This shaft carries a pair of cam plates I8I, I82 secured thereto and rotatable therewith; and these cams are in cooperative engagement with respective cam rollers I83, I94 which are mounted on the doctor slides I56 and through the means of which the slide is caused to reciprocate, it being understood that the cams are so formed and positioned as to cause the reciprocation of the doctor slide throughout the desired travel. It is also noted that in the reciprocation in one direction one of the cams only is active, while in the reciprocation in the opposite direction the other cam only is active, this providing a very desirable means of getting a direct positive drive and of eliminating lost motion. since the positions of the respective cams may be adjusted independently to control the extent of travel of the slide in one or the other of its two positions.

The right hand end of the shaft I99 projects beyond the block MI and carries secured thereto a bevel gear I85 which is in driven mesh with a cooperating bevel gear I86 journaled in a supporting bracket I81 which is formed integral with the block I4 I and is held thrust-wise therein by means of a suitable collar I88. The hub of the gear I86 is in splined engagement with a vertical shaft I89, which is suitably journaled in a bracket I99 which is pivoted on shaft I36 and which carries fixed on its lower end bevel gear I9I in mesh with a cooperating bevel gear I92 provided with a hub portion I93 suitably journaled in the supporting structure such as the side frame 2 and carrying secured to its outer end a worm wheel I94 in driven engagement with a worm I95 carried on shaft I96, which is rotated by suitable means (not shown). It might be mentioned here in passing that the hub I93 is hollow and serves as a bearing for the shaft I36. From the foregoing it will be seen that the driving train for effecting the doctor reciprocation is so arranged and positioned that it is uninterrupted at all times whilev permitting the hinged movement back and forth of the side wall brackets and doctor mechanism carried thereby and also permits the vertical adjustment. of the wiping mechanism as indicated in Fig. 17; and as has been previously pointed out in con-. nection with the previously described embodiment of the invention this feature is of great impor tance.

Modification of inking system serves to connect the pipe I99 selectively with either the pipe 29I or the pipe 292; the pipe 29I being in fluid communication with the lower portion of the ink reservoir compartment 293, and the,

pipe 292 being in fluid communication with the' lower portion of the solvent reservoir compart-- ment 294. The lower portion 26 of the ink housing is diagrammatically illustrated and the outlet pipe 295 is in fluid communication therewith and at its opposite end is in fluid communication with the withdrawal pump 296 whose outlet side is. connected by a pipe 291 to a suitable valve 298, which serves selectively to place the pipe 291 in communication with a scavenging pipe 299 or with the reservoir pipe 2I9, which is connected to a suitable valve 2| I which serves selectively to place the pipe 2I9 into communication with an ink re-. turn pipe 2I2 or a solvent return pipe 2I3; the. pipe 2I2 returning the fluid to the upper portion of the ink reservoir 293 and the pipe 2 I 3 serving to return the fluid to the upper portion of the solvent reservoir 294. The pumps operate in such a manner that the ink is withdrawn from the sump 26 at such a rate as to prevent accumulation of ink therein and thereby effect a dry sump. The ink.

so withdrawn is returned to the reservoir means from where it is withdrawn by the pump I98 and forced through the pipe I91 into the distributor head 28.

Housing modiflcationends independent of press frames In certain instances it is desirable or necessary, particularly as where already designed or built machines are to be adapted to my invention, to have main supporting frames independent of the ink housing, or at least not to depend on these structural members for the additional function of the ink housing. Provision for this is illustrated in Figs. 20, 21 and 22. Referring more particu-. larly to Fig. 20: The printing cylinder is supported from the side frames of the machine in suitable journals formed therein, one of the side frames being indicated as 2 I4, and the cylinder shaft end 2I5 adjacent this side of the machine projects outwardly beyond the frame and carries on its outer end a grooved collar 2I6, which is engaged by an adjusting lug 2 I 1 slidably mounted on suitable guide bar means designated as 2I8 and engaged by an adjusting screw 2I9 suitably journaled in the frame 2M and provided at its outer end for engagement with a suitable crank or wrench. By rotation of the screw 2I9, the block 2I1 is moved inwardly or outwardly to thereby adjust the printing cylinder indesired axial position, for purposes well understood in the art.

The lower portion of the ink housing is designated as 229 and may be formed and constructed in the manner previously described. However, instead of the lower housing portion being in sealed engagement with the side frames as heretofore described, it is in sealed engagement with end wall portions, one of which is designated as 22 I. These end wall portions are formed with removable panels such as 22 la comparable to the removable panel such as la in the frame I as shown in Fig. 3, and in like manner providing for ready removability of the printing cylinder in its assembled condition; it being noted that the frame 2 I 4 is cut away to permit the removal of the cylinder and its shaft, as will be more clearly described following. The details of construction of the removable panels of the housing ends will now be described more fully.

Referring to Fig. 21: The main member is provided with a dovetail guide 222 on which is slidably seated a cooperating dove tail formed integral with the panel 22Ia, and suitable clamping means such as 223 is provided for clamping the parts in adjusted position when once assembled; and in order to assure the parts being retained in this position of adjustment lock means, such as 224, is provided, it being pivotally attached to the main portion 22I so as to swing out of the way during the removal of the panel. The main body and the panel of the end Wall are provided with half portions of a suitable nousing 225 which carries a sealing ring 226 made of felt or other suitable material for effecting a seal between the shaft 2I5 and the housing end.

Referring to Fig. 22: The side frame portion 2 I 4 is cut out and the journal bearing of the shaft 2 I 5, designated as 221, is provided with a peripheral flange seated in a cooperating recess formed in the side frame 2M and this bearing is provided with an opening 228 which in normal operative position is positioned upwardly as shown in Fig. 22, and which is adapted to be rotated to a horizontal position when it is desired to remove the cylinder, as by means of a handle 229.

With reference to the wiping mechanism (Figs. 11, 17 and 18), it is to be particularly noted that the doctor such as 59 (or 59') and its cooperating pressure blade such as 60 (or 60') are rigidly held by their respective supporting means in parallelism with respect to an axially extending line on the printing cylinder surface. Also, that these supporting means such as the wall bracket 49 (or I49) and parts cooperating therewith are so positioned, arranged and constructed that the doctor will be held and maintained in said parallelism at all operative positions of adjustment of the doctor and cooperating parts.

Having thus described my invention with particularity with reference to the preferred method of carrying out the same and in connection with the preferred apparatus for carrying out the same, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art, after understanding my invention, that other changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, and I aim in the appended claims to cover such changes and modifications as are within the scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a press supporting structure comprising side frames, a rotary intaglio printing cylinder having a drive shaft, said shaft being journaled in and said cylinder supported by said side frames, ink housing means comprising portions of said frames contiguous said journals and additional members cooperating therewith, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to said cylinder, and said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink.

2. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the com bination of a press supporting structure comprising side frames, a rotary intaglio printing cylinder having a drive shaft, said shaft being journaled in and said cylinder supported by said side frames, ink housing means comprising end walls formed separately from said side frames and additional means cooperating with said end walls, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to said cylinder, and said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink.

3. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the com-' bination of a press supporting structure comprising side frames, a rotary intaglio printing cylinder having a drive shaft, bearing means removably supported in said side frames, said drive shaft being positioned in said bearing means for supporting said cylinder from said side frames, said bearing means being in sealed engagement with said side frames and with said drive shaft, ink housing means comprising said bearing means and contiguous portions of said side frames and additional members in cooperative sealed engagement therewith, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to said cylinder, and said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink.

4. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a main frame supporting structure comprising side frames, a rotary printing cylinder having a drive shaft, bearing means removably supported respectively in said side frames, oppositely extending portions of said drive shaft being positioned respectively in said journal means for supporting said cylinder from said side frames and said cylinder, drive shaft and bearing means being removable bodily from said supporting structure, said bearing means being in sealed engagement with respective side frames and with contiguous portions of said drive shaft, ink housing means comprising said bearing means and contiguous portions of said side frames and additional members in cooperative sealed engagement therewith, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to the printing surface of said cylinder, and said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink.

5. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a main frame supporting structure comprising side frames having respective bearings, a rotary intaglio printing cylinder having a drive shaft supported in said bearings, said side frames having removable panels in sealed communication with said side frames and with said drive shaft and adapted to permit ready removal of said cylinder and drive shaft bodily, ink housing means comprising said removable panels and contiguous portions of said side frames and additional members in cooperative sealed engagement therewith, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to said cylinder, and said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink.

6. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a main frame supporting structure comprising side frames, a rotary intaglio printing cylinder having a drive shaft, bearing means removably supported respectively in said side frames, said drive shaft being positioned in said journal means for supporting said cylinder from said side frames, said side frames respectively having removable panels to provide for said cylinder said drive shaft and said bearing means being removable bodily from said supporting structure, said bearing means being in sealed engagement with said panels and contiguous side frame portions and with contiguous portions of said drive shaft, ink housing means comprising said bearing means and contiguous portions of said side frames and additional members in cooperative sealed engagement therewith, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to said cylinder, and said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink.

7. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a press supporting structure comprising side frames, a rotary intaglio printing cylinder having a drive shaft, said shaft being journaled in and said cylinder supported by said side frames with opposite ends of said shaft projecting respectively beyond the outer faces of said frames and opposite ends of said cylinder respectively spaced from the inner faces of said frames, ink housing means comprising portions of said frames contiguous said journals and additional members cooperating therewith, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to said cylinder, said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink, means for adjusting the lateral position f said cylinder, said means being supported from one of said frames adjacent the outer face thereof and being operatively connected to one of said outwardly projecting shaft ends.

' 8. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a press supporting structure comprising side frames, a rotary intaglio printing cylinder having a drive shaft and being supported by said side frames, an axially adjustable bearing box carried in one of said frames and serving as a journal for one end of said shaft, said cylinder having its opposite ends respectively spaced from the inner faces of said frames, ink housing means comprising said box and portions of said frames adjacent said cylinder ends and additional members cooperating therewith, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to said cylinder, said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink, thrust lock means between said bearing box and drive shaft, and means associated therewith to adjust the axial position of said bearing box to thereby vary the lateral position of said cylinder.

9. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a main frame supporting structure comprising side frames, a rotary intaglio printing cylinder supported by said frames, a pair of end sealers in respective sealing contiguity with said frames and with the outer periphery of said cylinder, ink housing means comprising portions of said frames contiguous said journals and said end sealers and additional members in cooperative sealed engagement therewith, said cylinder having a portion of its periphery within said housing means for the application of ink to said cylinder, and said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink.

10. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a rotary intaglio printing cylinder, ink housing means within which is positioned a portion of the periphery of said cylinder for the application of ink thereto, said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink, said housing means comprising arcuate extensions between respective end walls of said housing and respectively adjacent en'ds of said printing cylinder and being in sealing contiguity With the peripheral surface of said printing cylinder.

11. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a rotary intaglio printing cylinder, ink housing means within which is positioned a portion of the periphery of said cylinder for the application of ink thereto, said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink, said housing means comprising a reciprocable doctor and also comprising two relatively thin arcuate members extending inwardly from respective end walls of said housing and being in sealing engagement with the peripheral surface of said printing cylinder adjacent respective ends thereof and lying between said surface and said doctor.

12. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a rotary intaglio printing cylinder, ink housing means within which is positioned a portion of the periphery of said cylinder for the application of ink thereto, said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink, said housing means comprising a reciprocable doctor and also comprising two end sealers each having a rigid supporting bracket and a relatively thin d flexible arcuate member, said brackets being removably attached to the inner faces of respective end walls of said housing and said relatively thin arcuate members extending inwardly from respective end walls of said housing and being in sealing engagement with the peripheral surface of said printing cylinder adjacent respective ends thereof and lying between said surface and said doctor.

13. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the combination of a rotary intaglio printing cylinder, ink housing means within which is positioned a portion of the periphery of said cylinder for the application of ink thereto, said housing means and said cylinder providing an enclosure adapted to prevent substantial evaporation of the volatile ingredients from said ink, wiping mechanism, said housing means comprising a relatively fixed side wall portion, a movable wall portion adjustable upwardly and downwardly relative to said fixed wall portion, and a wall bracket extending upwardly from and hinged to said adjustable wall portion and serving to support said wiping mechanism.

14. In a rotary intaglio printing press, the 

